By the time you get out of rehab, you might be looking for a new job. Perhaps the stress of your last career made your addiction worse. Or maybe you just want a fresh start as you enter the next phase of your life. Whatever your reasons, this can be a great time to make a change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addiction recovery is a major life transition. Your needs, goals, and abilities may be different than they used to be. And so the process of looking for work will probably be different, too. With this guide, you can learn how to find a job after rehab. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even before you start looking for a job after rehab, you can set yourself up for success. Take this opportunity to assess your strengths, skills, and interests. Start by privately answering a few questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thinking about these questions can help you decide what type of job to look for. And then, you\u2019ll know what materials to gather for your search. Depending on your field, you may need some or all of the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Review each of these documents to confirm that they\u2019re relevant and up to date, and be prepared to make changes. You\u2019ll probably need to send out different versions of your resume and cover letter to every potential employer. While it can be time-consuming, that strategy lets you tailor each application to the specific job at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After drug or alcohol rehab, your career goals might change. Your mental health history could be part of that. For example, jobs within certain industries have a higher risk of addiction<\/a>.1<\/sup> If the culture of your last job supported substance abuse, you might need to change fields. Or, you might need to work part-time while you attend outpatient treatment. The important thing is to look for a job that gives you a sense of purpose and supports your larger recovery goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know what you\u2019re looking for, it\u2019s time to identify specific jobs that might be a good fit. These resources can help with your search: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Online job boards are a great place to start, but your personal network is just as important. Data shows that most job opportunities are never even posted online<\/a>.5<\/sup> Let your friends, family, and colleagues know you\u2019re looking. They just might connect you with the perfect opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your application materials should demonstrate that you understand the company\u2019s needs. You can do this in several ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A job interview is your chance to make a good first impression. Up until this conversation, you\u2019re just a name on a resume. But when you meet, they can get to know you as a whole person. It\u2019s important to demonstrate your commitment here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to talk about your history of addiction, you can discuss it positively and professionally. What did you learn from the experience, and what are you still learning? Maybe you have a stronger support system than you once did, or you know more about how the brain works. Tell the interviewer how much you\u2019ve grown, and what your goals are for the future. You can also tell them what you\u2019d need from a new employer. For example, if you attend A.A. meetings every Tuesday at 2 pm, you might need those afternoons off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination. In other words, you can\u2019t be fired from a job just<\/em> because you have a disability. The ADA applies to people with substance use disorders<\/a>7<\/sup> and mental health issues. These protections last throughout recovery, but they change in each stage of the hiring process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to understand these laws so you can protect yourself from illegal discrimination. However, because many jobs come through personal networks, a potential employer might already know about your treatment history. Although they can\u2019t legally ask more detailed questions, they might mention information they already have. If that happens, you can address their concerns without revealing anything new. In these conversations, look for ways to frame your recovery as a strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding employment doesn\u2019t have to be a solo mission. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help during this process. You can find support from many types of relationships: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reach out to your network for advice and emotional support, and to see if they know of any job openings. You might also be eligible for professional career coaching services. If you\u2019re part of an aftercare program<\/a>, ask your care team to connect you with these resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t limit yourself to the people you already know. This is a great time to get out there and make new connections. You can do that by going to industry or networking events, attending conferences, and taking in-person classes on related topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Job searches are stressful for everyone. And if you\u2019re in recovery, stress can be triggering<\/a>.8 <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to commit to your recovery goals while you apply for jobs. Making a specific plan can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Crafting a Compelling Job Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Navigating the Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Disclosing Your Rehab History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While You\u2019re Applying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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After You Get Hired, Before Starting the Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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After Starting the Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Building a Supportive Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Maintaining Self-Care During the Job Search Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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